Meghalaya CM says load shedding to end 'completely' in 24 hours

Reacting to the power crisis in the state, Meghalaya state government has assured payment of electricity dues to Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd worth over Rs 74 crore. As a result, the power company has assured to withdraw power regulations to the state with immediate effect.

The power regulation of 70 MW resulting in power cuts of up to 7 hours in a day across the state had begun since Sunday last after the state government failed to pay pending dues of Rs 74.65 crore to the PGCIL.

“I am happy to inform that load shedding (power cuts) will be completely taken out within 24 hours. We have the approvals of the PGDCIL,” Sangma told journalists here.

He said the state government had cleared a Rs 1345 cr Aatmanirbhar loan from the Centre to liquidate all outstanding dues against the purchase of power from various power- generating institutions.

According to the chief minister, the centre has already released Rs 127 crore to the REC which was paid to another power generating company, NEEPCO.

“About 75 per cent of the amount is left with the REC. Funds are released from the REC and in due course of time, the dues for PGCIL will also be paid by the REC,” Sangma said.

The chief minister informed that the Meghalaya Electric Coportation has been a victim of non payment of dues by consumers.

The company had in the past two months recovered nearly one crore dues after the company issued reminders and notices to defaulting consumers.

The chief minister appealed to all consumers of MeECL to pay their dues regularly.

Officials of the state power company have been asked to follow strict procedures to recover dues from consumers, a senior official of the company said.

(With inputs from PTI)